German Home

Memories from the 5th Graders Trip to Germany in May 1997

Sunset Home

Once again we could embark into this experience of living for two weeks with German students in the city of Adenau, Eifel. Adenau is a small village (population 3000) which is situated in the center of the "Eifelmetropole" which is located in the western part of Germany about . The Erich-Klausener Gymnasium is one of the smallest Gymnasium (school) in the state of Rhineland-Palatine. Three-quarters of the student population comes from the surrounding towns and only one-quarter is from Adenau. Presently there are 443 students at the Gymnasium which are taught by 32 teachers. The students and teachers of the Erich-Klausener Gymnasium are involved in several diverse ecological projects that benefit the region. In addition to the exchange program with us, they also maintain ties with schools in France and Scotland. Adenau is very well known for the nearby Grand Prix race track at NŸrburgring, but maybe it will in time also be known for the many students of Sunset Elementary that flock the ice cream parlors on Main Street. The NŸrburgring is a world famous track for race cars, especially Formula One. The original track, 14 miles long, was built as a test circuit for German auto makers and was completed in 1925 with the first race taking place just two years later. The circuit length was shortened to 2.83 miles after a horrific crash in 1976. The new NŸrburgring circuit first hosted a Formula One race in 1984 - the European Grand Prix. The new track, at just 2.82 miles long, is a shadow of the former circuit, although it does incorporate the original start finish straight. The circuit consists of 12 corners and provides the spectator with superb views all around the circuit. We were warmly received at the Erich-Klausener Gymnasium with kind words from Mr. Surghof, the principal and Mr. Mathes, the assistant principal. Our group attended classes but also could visit the surroundings of the beautiful town of Adenau. Among those we had a guided tour to the "Bauernmuseum" offered by Mrs. Steffi.   This time we learned that on Mondays castles and fortresses are closed, so we made a hike around the "NŸrburg". I have to congratulate this group of walkers: Never had I such a well behaved group for a hike! During the second week we had two highlights- A night at the youth hostel in "Ahrweiler" and the visit of the "Kšlner Dom". Cologne is the oldest of the major German cities. Its name goes back to the Romans, who gave their city the name of "Colonia" in 50 AD. Rome's imperial governor resided here and the city quickly developed into one of the empire's most important trade and manufacturing centers north of the Alps. The Gothic architecture of the "Kolner Dom" is second to none in the world. Inside, the Dom is breathtaking, the tremendous height, the magnificent windows, the treasures, foremost among them the Shrine of the Three Magi. In addition to the Kolner Dom, there are the Twelve Romanesque Churches of Cologne. Each offers something unique and special. Treasures of another kind are found in several museums exhibiting paintings and a chronology of 2000 years of Cologne history. However, the sweetest ending for us was the tour at the chocolat factory "Imhoff-Stollwerck" where you were treated with the sweet stuff out of the chocolate-fountain. Superb! After this enriching experience in Germany, our students chaperoned by Frau Stroleny and myself, arrived happy in Miami. This memorable trip was made possible due to the work of parents, Marita and Gerd Solheid and Mr. Burghof and his staff in Adenau. We are very happy to have had these great two weeks with our friends in Germany!   Written by Sabina Horak